Method of forming a thermally enhanced energy generator

ABSTRACT

A method for forming an energy generating device which includes two layers of dissimilar materials in terms of electron density and configuration in contact with each other, sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. The two layers of dissimilar materials are each formed as a paste or ink and include an ionic material absorbed or incorporated into the two layers of dissimilar material. The ionic material facilitates the flow of electrons within the device, thereby creating a cell with an electric potential across an interface of the two layers of dissimilar material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/723,696 filed on Oct. 5, 2005.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

This invention relates to the generation of electric energy by asolid-state device and more particularly, by the use as a voltage sourceof thermally enhanced, built-in potentials arising at the junctionbetween dissimilar materials including metals, semiconductors, ceramics(oxides, carbides, etc.) and carbons (graphite, charcoal).

Discussion of Prior Art

Electrical power generation devices use power inputs including, but notlimited to electromagnetic waves (sunlight, infrared light, etc.),thermal energy, mechanical energy and nuclear energy and then convertthese different forms of energy inputs into useable electrical power.The manufacture of these devices, although well established, can stillbe expensive and complicated. Most power generation today occurs fromthe irreversible combustion of fossil fuels and although this form ofenergy conversion is still less expensive than other types ofelectricity generation, the long term damage to the environment andhuman health is not currently born by the cost of energy production. Inaddition, the conversion of petroleum to electrical energy is estimatedto be only 9% efficient. The cost of electricity produced from solarcells is still quite expensive when compared to fossil fuel basedelectrical power generation, and there remains the problem of energystorage in the absence of relevant light frequencies (night time). Inaddition, because of the photoelectric effect, solar cells can takeadvantage of only certain frequencies of sunlight, rendering theirefficiency at around 11-30% of incident energy from the sun. Other typesof energy conversion systems based on wind, hydroelectric, and nuclearenergy input, while cost effective in some cases, still negativelyimpact the environment and/or may require large capital outlays. Othermore exotic types of electrical generation devices such asthermoelectric, thermionic and magneto-hydrodynamic ones do notcurrently have the conversion efficiencies necessary to make themadaptable to mass electrical power production and in addition, arecomplicated to manufacture. Even with the current price of oil as ofOct. 2, 2006 hovering at $61/barrel, alternative forms of energyconversion are still not cost effective to produce and operate. Thoseforms of energy input (for example, coal and nuclear) that areconsidered cost competitive with petroleum-based energy inputs, createdamage to the environment through the emission of greenhouse gases andparticulates or through the production of radioactive waste.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:

-   -   (a) to provide a method of electrical power generation which can        be produced by a variety of materials that are readily available        in most parts of the world;    -   (b) to provide a method of electrical power generation that is        easily manufactured with age-old, continuous or batch, printing        and painting techniques and without the need for expensive        machining or manufacturing processes;    -   (c) to provide a method of electrical power generation that does        not involve the emission of particulates, radioactive waste,        greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants;    -   (d) to provide a method of electrical power generation that        operates both at very low temperatures (below room temperature)        and at very high temperatures (above 3000 K) as well as, those        in between;    -   (e) to provide a method of electrical power generation that does        not necessarily require a constant feed of input power for        conversion purposes;    -   (f) to provide a method of electrical power generation that        merely requires the presence of heat in order to take advantage        of the existing built-in potential, from the electrostatic force        available between certain materials at their interfaces when        they are joined;    -   (g) to provide a method of electrical power generation that can        have very flat dimensions, so as to be incorporated        unobtrusively into existing areas such as walls, car hoods,        airplane fuselages, roads, etc.;    -   (h) to provide a method of electrical power generation that can        be used in transportation vehicles, including but not limited to        airplanes, bikes, cars, ships and trucks;    -   (i) to provide a method of electrical power generation where the        power generation devices can be employed in familiar        configurations already used by batteries, generators and        capacitors to take advantage of already existing infrastructure.        Further objects and advantages are to provide a method of        electrical power generation that can vary in size and scale to        accommodate the power needs of smaller devices—such as radios,        as well as larger entities, such as homes, towns and cities.        Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a        consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, a new type of electrical power generation device,is based on layering of stabilized materials—oxides, semiconductors,metals and carbons, such that voltage differentials are manifested atthe interface of the materials and an overall voltage value is exhibitedbetween the anode and cathode outer layers of the device. The productionof electricity from this device or cell is possible by exploitingbuilt-in potential created across the interface between stable materialswith dissimilar electron/hole configurations and densities.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a two dimensional view of the most basic device cell as seenfrom the side of the cathode or anode.

FIG. 1B is the theoretical electric circuit equivalent of the cell.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the most basic device cell, constructedin one shape in accordance to the description of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing how ambient cell temperatures are managedin an encapsulated or insulated scenario.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the current flow of two actual cells afterdifferent heat treatments.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the voltage of two actual cells afterdifferent heat treatments.

FIG. 5 shows the best fit Voltage-Current line against the sample pointsfrom the Steel, Praseodymium oxide, carbon/graphite and zinc-platedsteel cell with different resistive loads attached.

FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional schematic view of a power celldevice contained in an insulative type container such as a Dewar's Flaskor a ceramic container, with controller circuit, as well as thermocoupleand heating element.

FIG. 7A is an illustrative schematic of charge behaviors prior tojoining the carbon and oxide layers of the device.

FIG. 7b is a schematic representation of charge behaviors immediatelyafter joining the carbon and oxide layers of the device.

FIG. 7c is a schematic representation of charge behavior at thermalequilibrium after joining the carbon and oxide layers of the device.

FIG. 7d is a schematic representation of charge behavior throughoutcell, when a resistive load is attached across the joined carbon andoxide layers of the device.

FIG. 8 is an oxide carbon cell encased/heat sealed in glass or plasticsheets with a black body absorber and heat storage panel.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   20—metallic anode layer-   21—applied or ceramic tile type oxide, carbide P-type material layer-   22—applied or ceramic tile type carbon/graphite or N-type material-   23—metallic cathode layer-   24—metallic anode extrusion or connector or negative lead-   25—metallic cathode extrusion or connector or positive lead-   27—Internal resistance symbol of cell-   28—Voltage source symbol of cell-   31—Current line of Aluminum-Praseodymium Oxide—Graphite Cell-   32—Current line of Aluminum-Praseodymium Oxide—Graphite Cell after    removing load and resting 10 minutes.-   33—Current line of Aluminum-Praseodymium Oxide—Graphite Cell after    removing load and heating cell in boiling water 10 minutes.-   34—Current line of Steel—Praseodymium Oxide—Graphite Cell with load-   45—Voltage curve of layered and heat plastic sealed aluminum foil,    praseodymium oxide and carbon graphite cell attached to a 100,000    ohm resistor.-   46—Voltage curve of layered and heat plastic sealed aluminum foil,    praseodymium oxide and carbon graphite cell attached to a 100,000    ohm resistor.after 10 minute rest from discharge measured by curve    45-   47—Voltage curve of layered and heat plastic sealed aluminum foil,    praseodymium oxide and carbon graphite cell attached to a 100,000    ohm resistor.after 2 minute immersion in boiling water and 10 minute    rest.-   48—Voltage curve of larger steel—Praseodymium oxide—carbon    graphite—zinc coated steel cell attached to a 100,000 ohm resistor.-   59—Fitted Voltage-current line against data plots for the steel,    praseodymium oxide, carbon/graphite and zinc plated steel cell.-   60—Thermally and electrically insulated container.-   61—Thermally and electrically insulated container cap or lid.-   62—Heating element—solenoid, nichrome element, inductive heater,    etc.-   63—Thermocouple-   64—Thermally enhanceable solid state generator cells—power cells-   65—Positive lead connecting power cells to controller circuit-   66—Negative lead connecting power cells to controller circuit-   67—Negative lead connecting controller circuit to heating element-   68—Positive lead connecting controller circuit to heating element.-   69—Connection between thermocouple to circuit-   70—Positive connection of controller to external load-   71—Negative connection of controller to external load-   72—Controller circuit-   81—P-type layer of cell-   82—holes in P-type layer-   83—N-type layer of cell-   84—excess electrons in N-type layer-   86—Positively charged ions in N-type layer at edge of depletion zone    after losing electrons to P-type layer-   87—Negatively charged ions in P-type layer at edge of depletion zone    after gaining electrons from N-type layer-   201—System clock to control temperature data sampling and buffer    clearing cycle-   202—Temporary buffer to hold Temperature Data-   203—Logic Process to turn off Heating element based on logic    decision output 204-   204—Logic decision to test if rated temperature has been reached in    cell system-   205—Logic Process to turn on Heating element based on logic decision    output 204-   221—Thermally enhanceable solid state generator cell-   223—Heat storage element or brick containing high heat capacity    materials and painted a spectrum absorbent color-   222—Sealed transparent Plastic or glass sleeve encasing cell 221 and    heat storage absorber brick 223.-   301—Applied Black body paint to facilitate absorption of    electromagnetic waves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention, a new type of electrical power generation device,is based on the purposeful layering of different materials, oxides,semiconductors, metals and carbons, such that voltage differentials aremanifested at the interface of the materials and an overall voltagevalue is exhibited between the anode and cathode of the device. Theproduction of electricity from this device is caused by the creation ofa built-in potential across the interface between stable materials withdissimilar electron configurations and densities. Once the correctseries of layers are applied, the device may then be treated as anyelectrical power device and stacked in series or parallel, in order toreach a desired voltage or current output.

Electrons oscillate and emit electromagnetic energy in the form ofwaves. These waves possess a frequency distribution based on Planck'sformula. Also, due to the connections between atoms, the displacement ofone or more atoms from their equilibrium positions will give rise to aset of vibration waves propagating through the lattice. Since materialsmay contain both amorphous and crystalline components in their rigidstates, the movement of electrons can result from, but not be restrictedto photonic and phononic causes. In thermionic emission, electrons flowfrom the surface of a material and condense onto a dissimilar material,due to thermal vibrational energy overcoming the electrostatic forceswhich hold the electrons to the surface of the original material. TheSeebeck effect instead deals with the manifestation of a voltage createdin the presence of a temperature different metals or semiconductors. Inphotoelectric emission, electrons are emitted from matter when theyabsorb electromagnetic radiation that is above a threshold frequency.

When two dissimilar materials, with differing electron/hole densities,are brought into contact with each other, at the boundary between thetwo materials a built-in potential is formed. This occurs because of thediffusion of electrons and holes into regions with lower concentrationsof electrons and holes. As recombination occurs, an electrical fieldeventually forms that opposes further recombination. The integration ofthis electric field over the depletion region between the two materials,determines the value of the built-in potential.

As free electrons gain kinetic energy due to the addition of heat fromthermal or electromagnetic sources, more of them are able to migrateacross the depletion zone and join with holes on the other side of thebarrier region. The result is a widening depletion zone and an increasedbuilt-in voltage that is a linear function of junction temperature. If aload is connected across the two dissimilar materials, current flows.Ionic fluids present in the device's layers, facilitate further, theflow of electrons throughout the circuit.

When thermal equilibrium is reached, the built-in potential also reachesa constant and equilibrium value. At this point if a resistive load isapplied across the terminals of the cell, the built-in potential acts asa charge pump, pushing current through the load. If the surface area ofthe cell is large enough or if resistive load is large enough, thecurrent in the current will be small enough such that the rate ofrecombination across the depletion zone will be fast enough to allow thebuilt-in potential and current to remain steady and indefinite. Ifhowever, the resistive load is too small or the surface area of the cellis too small, the rate of recombination, can not keep up with the powerneeds of the cell and the current will take on the shape found more in acapacitor device, ultimately deteriorating.

The combination of photonic, phononic and kinetically induced electronmovement combined with the existence of a built-in potential acrossappropriately chosen materials results in a solid state electricitygenerator which demonstrates increasing voltage directly proportional toincreasing temperature of the device and increasing current proportionalto the fourth power of increasing temperature. Unlike inthermionic/thermoelectric devices, a temperature gradient is notnecessary for the device to work and in fact the device produceselectricity at room temperature, as long as the correct materials withcertain determinate characteristics are chosen. Unlike, photoelectricdevices, which depend on electromagnetic radiation that is above thethreshold frequency of the specific material used, the device inquestion uses the thermal energy that exists within its materials tocreate a built-in potential, which will result in an electron flow whena load is applied to the cell.

In the preferred embodiment of the solid-state generator hereindescribed, carbon graphite (circa 90% by volume but variable), SodiumChloride (ionic solid-circa 10% by volume but variable) and optionally,small amounts of binders such as an acrylic polymer emulsion, as well asevaporable fluids (water) are mixed to form a thin paste or ink. Thispaste is then applied to a metal surface or foil to a sufficient anduniform thickness (thicknesses of 0.2-1.0 millimeters were employedalthough, greater thicknesses may be required depending on higheroperating temperatures and higher required built-in potentials at thosetemperatures) and allowed to dry and then optionally heated to atemperature sufficient to cause it to cure into a more stable solidmaterial (drying temperatures used were not in excess of 150 degreesCelsius but may be higher depending on the operating temperatures andconditions of device). Onto this dried layer of the first matrix is thenapplied the second paste of an oxide, sodium chloride, acrylic polymeremulsion binder (see above) and water matrix to a sufficient thickness((again thicknesses of 0.2-1 millimeter were employed although, greaterthicknesses may be required depending on operating conditions)). Beforethis second matrix layer is allowed to dry, a metal sheet or foil isapplied onto this layer. This allows a much better adherence between theinner layers of the cell and the cathodes and/or anodes. Thisfundamental cell consisting of four layers: metal—carbon/graphitematerial—oxide—metal is allowed to dry and/or be heated to a high enoughtemperature that does not damage the cell, but cures to a more stablesolid material (<150 Celsius). Once dried, the cell, depending on theexpected operating minimum and maximum temperatures, may be allowed toabsorb a fluid such as water, which will facilitate the conduction ofcharge carriers, by either combining with the electrolyte in the solidand dissolving it, or by actually being the primary electrolyte. Thechoice of ionic fluids is dependent on the operating temperature of thecell. Cells that will operate at a higher temperature than theevaporation point of the electrolyte, must be sealed and pressurized toensure that the ionic fluids do not escape. When the cell has absorbed asufficient quantity of electrolytic fluid, it is then sealed, around theedges with the temperature appropriate, electrical and moistureinsulating sealant to ensure the integrity of the cell. Sealants caninclude but not be limited to epoxy glues, heat treated plastics,electrical tape or other types of sealants as well as ceramic glazesthat cure below the melting temperature of the electrolyte. The cellwill exhibit a voltage, as long as it remains at an operatingtemperature, that allows the electrolyte fluid to function but does notresult in any of the other non electrolyte materials or metals in thecell, to reach their melting point. At this point, the immersion of thecell in different temperature baths will result in a proportional changein voltage. The cell does not need a temperature differential to work,but erogates based on the resistive load attached to it and the ambienttemperature of the cell. The ideal resistive load allows therecombination of electrons and holes to occur at a rate that maintains aconstant voltage and current.

Manufacturing and Materials Details

Since power output is directly proportional to the size of the surfacearea between the carbon and oxide layers, the metal substrate can beformed with many grooves, crinkles or ridges, and as the carbon and thenoxide layers are applied, the grooving, crinkling or ridging continuesthrough each applied layer, resulting in a higher surface area. Thecarbon paste or paint and the oxide paste or paint may be applied by theuse of rollers, brushes, sprayers, screenprinting techniques, inkjetprinters or any other method that allows the dispersion of ink or paintonto a surface. Although, the cells should work not only with amorphousmaterials but also more crystalline layers of carbon materials andoxides, the ability to simply apply the materials as a paste, shouldgreatly decrease manufacturing costs and the use of expensive crystalgrowing and manufacturing technologies. One of the current drawbacks ofcurrent photoelectric and thermoelectric devices, is the need for cleanrooms and highly sophisticated (read expensive) techniques and processesfor crystal growth and device manufacture. In the prototypes created,the metal foils or sheeting used were aluminum, stainless steel andzinc-coated stainless steel. The carbon layer consisted of graphitemixed with sodium chloride, water and an acrylic binder. The oxidelayers used were from each of the following metals: Praseodymium,Titanium, Tin, Nickel, Iron, Copper, Chromium, Manganese and also weremixed with sodium chloride, water and an acrylic binder. In terms ofmaximum voltage and current obtained at room temperature and ease ofapplication, Praseodymium and Titanium Oxide were optimal. Finally, theentire cell was encased in a plastic sheet and heat sealed with anodeand cathode contacts exposed. One basic cell was the size of a typical8.5×11 in sheet of paper and the thickness of roughly 8 sheets of paper.It should be noted that cells made with Manganese oxide were able to berecharged and therefore can also serve as a charge storage device. Interms of operating temperature, different materials should and can beused. For example in the case of the cell made with aluminum sheets,praseodymium oxide and graphite, the operating temperature should bebelow the melting temperature of aluminum and should be much lowerbecause of the presence of water. The use of a cell containing water aspart of the ionic solution, implies that the operating temperature bebelow water's boiling point or that the cell, be externally pressurizedin order to hold its integrity from expanding water vapor. A hightemperature cell might include, tungsten (Melting Point 3695 K) as thecathodes and anodes, graphite (Melting Point 4300-4700 K) or anothercarbon material and thorium oxide (Melting Point 3573 K). The use ofSodium Chloride as the ionic fluid for charge carrier enhancement wouldallow a theoretical maximum operating temperature that is below, its1738 degrees Kelvin boiling temperature. If a ionic fluid can be usedwith a melting point close to thorium oxide, then the maximum operatingtemperature would be somewhere below the 3573 K melting point of Kelvin.Note that a single one square meter cell using tungsten, graphite andthorium oxide erogating 100 micro amps at 1 volt (0.0001 watts) at roomtemperature would theoretically erogate at 3000 K around 1 Amp at 10Volts (10 watts). Thus an increase in operating temperature from 300 Kto 3000 K results in an 100,000 times increase in power output of adevice. This assumes of course, that the ionic fluid works properly atthis higher temperature.

A second embodiment also considers the use of ceramics that have beenbisque fired into tiles. Onto these tiles may be applied the carbonpaste and then the metal cathodes applied as above or simply held inplace by pressure. Since in this case the oxide layer is in the form ofa much more stable ceramic, operating temperatures can be higher. In anycase, this embodiment should still be sealed to contain the electrolyticfluid.

Experimental Results

FIG. 1C is a perspective view taken from the corner of a cell. Aconductive sheet or foil 20 is used as a base onto which is applied anydonor material 21 at a proper thickness that will manifest a voltagedifference across interface between the conductor 20 and the donormaterial 21. Conductors used for sheet or foil 20 include but are notlimited to aluminum, copper, iron, steel, stainless steel, zinc-coatedstainless steel and carbon plates. Additional conductors could includeany of the other metals or metallic alloys not already mentioned. Thedonor material 21 can be but is not limited to the materials tested sofar which exhibited a voltage differential and goodconductivity-Praseodymium oxide mix containing also zirconium and silicacompounds, Chromium Oxide and Silicon Carbide. Voltages manifested atthe interface between sheet or foil 20 and donor material 21 are alsoinfluenced by the presence of moisture content or other charge carrierenabling fluids and compounds. Titanium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Tin Oxide,Aluminum Oxide, Cuprous Oxide, Cupric Oxide and Fe2O2 Iron Oxide allmanifested discernible voltages with the addition of a charge carrierfluid consisting of the following ingredients in any proportion: water,propylene glycol and sodium chloride. The charge carrier (ionic) fluidcan consist of any fluid that enables the development of the interfacevoltage between sheet or foil 20 and donor material 21. Propylene Glycoland salt increases the temperature range over which the ionic fluidsstay liquid and in motion. Onto layer 23, the donor material, is appliedthe layer 22 which should not be the same conductor as layer 20 sincethe voltage created would be the same as that between layers 20 and 21,thus canceling out any voltage potential created at the interfacebetween layers 21 and 22, once the three layers 20, 21, 22 are formedtogether. Instead an effective conductor for layer 22 was determined tobe a graphite paste, containing graphite, water and an acrylic binderused for making paints. Other carbon powders can work just as graphitehas. The graphite paste created a voltage potential of 1 volt betweenlayers 20 and 22. Layer 23 can be the same metal as that used in layer20. In the case of an aluminum, praseodymium oxide, graphite, aluminumlayered cell, the positive lead is denoted by 25 in FIG. 1C and thenegative lead is denoted by 24 in FIG. 1C. The theoretical electricsymbol of the cell is denoted by FIG. 1B, where the internal resistanceof the cell 27 is in series with the voltage potential 28.

FIG. 3. shows the current flow as a function of time for three differentscenarios (graphed line 31, 32 and 33) of a layered and heat plasticsealed aluminum foil, praseodymium oxide and carbon graphite cellattached to a 100,000 ohm resistor. Also is shown the current flow(graphed line 34 of FIG. 3) of a larger steel—Praseodymium oxide—carbongraphite—zinc coated steel cell attached to a 100,000 ohm resistor.

-   -   Graphed current line 31 shows the current spiking to 3.2 EE-5        Amps from zero and then descending at a descending rate.    -   Graphed current line 32 shows the current spiking to 2.8 EE-5        Amps from zero and then descending at a descending rate. This        was after the cell was rested for 10 minutes.    -   Graphed current line 33 shows the current spiking to 4 EE-5 Amps        from zero and then descending at a descending rate. This was        after the cell was heated vigorously in boiling water for a few        minutes.    -   Graphed current line 34 shows the current rising to 2.7 EE-5        Amps at room temperature for the larger steel cell. The current        here is steadier and descends more slowly. This is a function of        the surface area of this cell, which allows electrons to move        across the depletion zone more readily.

FIG. 4. Shows the voltage as a function of time for three differentscenarios (graphed lines 45, 46 and 47) measured across a layered andheat plastic sealed aluminum foil, praseodymium oxide and carbongraphite cell attached to a 100,000 ohm resistor. Also is shown thevoltage measured as a function of time 48 of a larger steel—Praseodymiumoxide—carbon graphite—zinc coated steel cell attached to a 100,000 ohmresistor.

-   -   Graphed voltage line 45 shows the open circuit voltage at time        zero equal to 4.5 volts. When the circuit is closed with a        100,000 ohm resistor, the voltage descends downward at a        descending rate.    -   Graphed voltage line 46 shows the open circuit voltage at time        zero equal to 4.2 volts. When the circuit is closed with a        100,000 ohm resistor, the voltage descends downward at a        descending rate. This result was after the cell was rested for        10 minutes from the earlier discharge shown in Voltage line 45        and current line 31 of FIG. 3.    -   Graphed voltage line 47 of FIG. 4 shows the open circuit voltage        at time zero equal to 4.9 volts. When the circuit is closed with        a 100,000 ohm resistor, the voltage descends downward at a        descending rate. This result was after the cell was heated        vigorously in boiling water for 2 minutes and rested (open        circuit) for 10 minutes.    -   Graphed voltage line 48 of FIG. 4 shows the room temperature        open circuit voltage at zero equal to 3 volts for the larger        steel—praseodymium oxide—carbon/graphite—zinc coated steel cell.        When the circuit is closed with a 100,000 ohm resistor, the        voltage descends downward at a very slow rate. This cell was        considerably larger in area than the cell used in voltage plots        45 through 47 and discharges much more slowly while recharging        itself more quickly.

It bears repeating, that the amount of current that is erogable by thecell is directly proportional to the area of the interface between thelayers in the cell. In addition, the current erogable by the cell ispolynomially proportional to the ambient temperature of the cell. Thesetwo most important factors for a given cell structure should be takeninto account when a cells dimensions are being determined. When space isat a premium, the ambient temperature of the cell should be maximized.When space is not at a premium, then more consideration can be given toa larger cell array operating at lower temperatures.

FIG. 5, shows the Voltage-current graph for the steel, praseodymiumoxide, carbon/graphite and zinc plated steel cell. The Voltage-currentline 59 for this particular cell at room temperature is as follows:V=−5.6356*I+VocORV=−5.6356I+2.64Given that power P=V×I,We have P=−5.6356*I^2+Voc*IdP/dI=−5.6356*2*I+Vocequating dP/dI=0 ans solving for 1 we getImax=−Voc/(5.6356*2)=2.64/(5.6356*2)=0.23423 EE-5 AmpsThis is the current at which Power output is maximized and would resultfrom a load of Rmax=(−5.6356*Imax+Voc)/Imax=563560 Ohms.

FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional view of several stacked power cellsin series 64 contained in an insulated container 60 with an insulatinglid 61. The stacked cells 64 have positive 65 and negative 66 leads thatcome out of the container 60 and attach to a controller circuit 72. Thelogic of the controller circuit is illustrated in FIG. 2. The controllercircuit 72, uses power from the cells through the leads 65 and 66. Thecontroller circuit measures temperature through a connection 69 to athermocouple device 63. To maintain the rated voltage across leads 70and 71, the controller circuit 72 uses the power from the cell 64 toincrease the temperature in the insulated container 60, 61 by heatingthe inside of the container 60 through the use of the solenoid 62attached to the leads 68 and 67. The controller cell 72 is preprogrammedto cause an optimal temperature rise, as well as, prevent theoverheating of the insulated container's 60 cavity. Note that the dropin temperature of the inside of the container 60, 61 would be due to theeffects of conduction of heat out of the container through the walls,wires and lid of the container and not through the conversion of heatinto electricity.

Integration of Cells into Energy Systems

Because of the absence of a need for a temperature differential, manyinteresting system designs can be employed for the use of the hereinmentioned cell.

A number of cells, connected in series or parallel can be placedtogether and will supply energy in the form of Direct Current to varioususes. An inverter should be used to convert DC to AC current wherenecessary. Because, the built-in voltage cells varies with temperature,a DC-to-DC converter to furnish predictable DC voltage will benecessary.

Cells in various combinations can be encased in a heat trap, to producehigher working voltages and power output. In the case of electromagneticradiation (sunlight, artificial light, etc.), the cells may be placed ina light absorbing medium which converts light to heat. See FIG. 8—anoxide carbon cell encased in glass or plastic with black body absorberthat converts sunlight to heat and stores it.

The efficiency of any system employing these cells, will depend on theability of the system to store heat and prevent its loss away from thecells. Cells may be used in a cascading manner by which outer cells,convert ambient heat to electricity, which is then converted to heat atthe center most cells. In this way, cells themselves are used as theinsulating medium, moving heat up stream to warmer areas. In addition, acompletely encapsulated or isolated system would result in a extremelyefficient generator, in that heat could be incorporated into the systemin a contactless manner, through the use of induction heating and asusceptor. The correct material used as the encapsulant would greatlyreduce the loss of heat energy. Encapsulants could include ceramics,plastics, epoxies and acrylics. See FIG. 6 for a logical design of aisolated/encapsulated system diagram.

The device generates electricity at room temperature. Immersing thedevice into a heat bath causes a proportional rise in voltage(proportional to device temperature in Kelvin) and an exponential risein current. Consequently, lowering ambient temperature of the devicereduces the manifested voltage. Because of the heat—voltage—powercharacteristics, a more efficient system would be to keep the device inan insulated container or embedded in a thermally and electricallyinsulating material. The ambient temperature inside the container couldbe increased, depending on the power outputs needs, by the use of aninductive heater. To avoid losing heat inside the device from conductionthrough the output wires, power could be extracted from the device byconverting its current from direct to alternating and using atransformer device to extract current from the generated magnetic field.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for forming an energy generating devicecomprising the steps of: forming a generator comprising at least onecell, the at least one cell comprising a first electrode and a secondelectrode, wherein the first electrode comprises a first layer of afirst solid, planar binder material formed as a first paste or ink on afirst conductive base in direct contact with the second electrodecomprising a second layer of a second solid, planar binder materialformed as a second paste or ink on a second conductive base, the firstand second conductive bases in electrical contact with a power circuit;drying the first and second pastes or inks; absorbing or incorporatingan ionic material into the first and second layers of the at least onecell to facilitate the flow of electrons from a first side of the atleast one cell to a second side of the at least one cell, therebycreating at least one cell with an electric potential across aninterface of the first and second layers of material; wherein the firstand second conductive bases are formed of a material selected from thegroup consisting of aluminum, copper, iron, stainless steel, zinc-coatedstainless steel, carbon plates and tungsten; and wherein the first layerof material comprises carbon and the second layer of material isselected from the group consisting of praseodymium oxide, zirconiumoxide, silica, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, nickel oxide, ironoxide, copper oxide, cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, chromium oxide,manganese oxide, thorium oxide, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. 2.The method for forming an energy generating device of claim 1, whereinthe ionic material is a liquid or a solid.
 3. The method for forming anenergy generating device of claim 1, wherein the ionic material consistsof the following ingredients in any proportion: water, propylene glycoland sodium chloride.
 4. The method for forming an energy generatingdevice of claim 1, further comprising the step of encapsulating the atleast one cell in glass, plastic, ceramic, epoxy or acrylic.
 5. Themethod for forming an energy generating device of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of adding a heat storage element.
 6. The method forforming an energy generating device of claim 1, further comprising thestep of adding an insulative sealant around the at least one cell. 7.The method for forming an energy generating device of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of adding a black body absorber to the at least onecell.
 8. The method for forming an energy generating device of claim 1,further comprising the step of adding a heating element to heat the atleast one cell.
 9. A method for forming an energy generating devicecomprising the steps of: forming a generator comprising at least onecell, the at least one cell comprising a first electrode and a secondelectrode, wherein the first electrode comprises a first layer of afirst solid, planar binder material formed as a first paste or ink on afirst conductive base in direct contact with the second electrodecomprising a second layer of a second solid, planar binder materialformed as a second paste or ink on a second conductive base, the firstand second conductive bases in electrical contact with a power circuit;wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is formed as atile; absorbing or incorporating an ionic material into the first andsecond layers of the at least one cell to facilitate the flow ofelectrons from a first side of the at least one cell to a second side ofthe at least one cell, thereby creating at least one cell with anelectric potential across an interface of the first and second layers ofmaterial; wherein the first and second conductive bases are formed of amaterial selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, iron,stainless steel, zinc-coated stainless steel, carbon plates andtungsten; wherein the first layer of material comprises carbon and thesecond layer of material is selected from the group consisting ofpraseodymium oxide, zirconium oxide, silica, titanium oxide, zinc oxide,tin oxide, nickel oxide, iron oxide, copper oxide, cuprous oxide, cupricoxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, thorium oxide, aluminum oxideand silicon carbide.
 10. The method for forming an energy generatingdevice of claim 9, wherein the ionic material is a liquid or a solid.11. The method for forming an energy generating device of claim 9,wherein the ionic material consists of the following ingredients in anyproportion: water, propylene glycol and sodium chloride.
 12. The methodfor forming an energy generating device of claim 9, further comprisingthe step of encapsulating the at least one cell in glass, plastic,ceramic, epoxy or acrylic.
 13. The method for forming an energygenerating device of claim 9, further comprising the step of adding aheat storage element.
 14. The method for forming an energy generatingdevice of claim 9, further comprising the step of adding an insulativesealant around the at least one cell.
 15. The method for forming anenergy generating device of claim 9, further comprising the step ofadding a black body absorber to the at least one cell.
 16. The methodfor forming an energy generating device of claim 9, further comprisingthe step of adding a heating element to heat the at least one cell.